Madison police couple suspended for shooting incident

A Madison police couple is facing unpaid suspension after an investigation into shots fired in rural Columbia County.

The Madison police investigation found that Officers Cary and Emily House were at their rural home in Columbia County on Jan. 3 socializing with acquaintances, and during the evening fired guns from the backyard toward an unpopulated area.

Investigators believe no one was in danger.

Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene and found that Cary House fired a gun while under the influence. He was arrested on suspicion of intoxicated use of a firearm. The charge was dismissed and he plead guilty to disorderly conduct. He pleaded no contest on Aug. 19 and paid a fine, according to court records.

Madison investigators found that Emily House had likely driven a vehicle while intoxicated the same evening. She was not charged criminally, but was reprimanded by Madison police.

The Madison Police Department suspended Cary House for 30 days without pay, with 10 days held in abeyance for one year, for violating department policies related to use of city owned property, unlawful conduct and firearms safety.

Emily House was suspended for nine days without pay, with three days held in abeyance for one year, for violating department policies related to unlawful conduct and firearms safety. Police said she handled, but didn't fire a gun.

Emily House joined the Madison Police Department in 2007 and Cary House was hired in 2008.

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